Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

These Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are a delightful treat perfect for any fall gathering or festive occasion. With their moist texture and sweet maple glaze, they offer an irresistible combination of flavor and fun. These baked donuts are not only easy to make but also cater to various dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The simple ingredients and straightforward steps ensure that even novice bakers can whip up these delicious donuts in no time.
• Flavorful Delight: The blend of pumpkin, spices, and maple creates a warm and inviting taste that perfectly captures the essence of autumn.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these donuts fit seamlessly into any meal or occasion.
• Diet-Friendly: Made without gluten or dairy, these donuts allow those with dietary restrictions to indulge without worry.
• Batch Friendly: This recipe yields 18 donuts, making it ideal for sharing at parties or potlucks.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious pumpkin donuts, you’ll need a few essential tools. Gathering these items before you start will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Donut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Piping bag (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Donut pan: This specialized pan shapes your donuts perfectly, ensuring even baking for a delightful presentation.
• Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls helps keep dry and wet ingredients well-organized for better mixing.
• Whisk: A whisk allows for thorough blending of ingredients, creating a smooth batter without lumps.

Ingredients

For the Donuts

• 2 Eggs
• ¾ Cup Sugar
• 1 tsp. Vanilla
• 1 Cup Brown Sugar
• 1 Cup Pureed Pumpkin
• 1 Cup Dairy Free Milk (I used coconut)
• 3 tsp. Baking Powder
• 2 Cups GF All Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp. Xanthan Gum
• 1 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Dash of Salt
• 1 tsp. Cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. Nutmeg

For the Maple Glaze

• 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
• 1 ½ tsp. Vanilla
• ½ tsp. Cinnamon
• ½ tsp. Maple Extract
• ½ TBSP. Coconut Milk (any dairy free milk will do)

How to Make Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your donut pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, pureed pumpkin, and dairy-free milk until smooth.
2. In another bowl, combine the GF all-purpose flour, baking powder, xanthan gum, pumpkin pie spice, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.

Step 3: Fill the Donut Pan

Using a piping bag or spoon, fill each cavity in the donut pan about halfway full with batter.

Step 4: Bake the Donuts

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 5: Prepare the Maple Glaze

While the donuts cool:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, maple extract, and coconut milk until smooth.
2. Adjust consistency by adding more milk if necessary.

Step 6: Glaze the Donuts

Once cooled slightly but still warm:
1. Dip each donut into the glaze or drizzle it over using a spoon.
2. Allow glazing to set before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze!

How to Serve Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

These delightful pumpkin donuts are perfect for any occasion. You can enjoy them on their own or elevate them with various accompaniments.

Pair with Coffee

• Serve these donuts alongside a hot cup of coffee for a cozy breakfast or snack. The warmth of the coffee enhances the flavors of the pumpkin.

Add Fresh Fruit

• Fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the donuts. Consider a side of berries for a burst of color.

Drizzle with Extra Maple Syrup

• For those who love maple, drizzle extra maple syrup over the donuts just before serving. This amplifies the maple flavor and adds a sticky sweetness.

Top with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glazed donuts. The crunch from the nuts complements the soft texture of the donuts beautifully.

Serve with Dairy Free Whipped Cream

• A dollop of dairy free whipped cream makes an excellent topping. It adds lightness and creaminess, balancing the dense donut texture.

How to Perfect Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

To ensure your pumpkin donuts turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree – If possible, use fresh pumpkin puree for a richer flavor compared to canned options. Ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

• Check Your Baking Powder – Make sure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise in your donuts. Expired baking powder can lead to dense results.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter – Mix just until combined to keep your donuts light and fluffy. Overmixing can result in tough donuts that lack tenderness.

• Preheat Your Oven – Always preheat your oven before baking. A hot oven ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect rise.

• Use Silicone Molds – If you have silicone donut molds, use them! They make it easier to remove the donuts without sticking and help maintain their shape.

Best Side Dishes for Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

These pumpkin donuts pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavors while providing balance.

1. Chia Seed Pudding – A creamy chia seed pudding made with almond milk offers a nutritious contrast to sweet donuts.

2. Fruit Salad – A vibrant fruit salad filled with seasonal fruits provides freshness and acidity, balancing out the sweetness.

3. Oatmeal – Serve warm oatmeal topped with nuts and fruits for a hearty breakfast option that complements the donuts well.

4. Yogurt Parfait – Layer dairy free yogurt with granola and fruit for a delicious parfait that contrasts textures nicely.

5. Nut Butter Toast – Whole grain toast spread with almond or peanut butter offers a savory element alongside sweet treats.

6. Smoothie Bowl – A thick smoothie bowl topped with seeds and berries is refreshing and energizing, making it an ideal pairing for brunch or breakfast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze, it’s essential to avoid common mistakes that can affect the outcome.

• Using regular flour – Always use gluten-free all-purpose flour to ensure the donuts are truly gluten-free. Check labels for gluten-free certification.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Use measuring cups and spoons for precision. Baking is a science, and slight variations can change texture and taste.
• Overmixing the batter – Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Skipping the xanthan gum – This ingredient helps bind the gluten-free flour. Omitting it may result in crumbly donuts that fall apart.
• Not allowing donuts to cool before glazing – Glazing warm donuts can make the glaze runny. Let them cool on a wire rack for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• For best quality, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a container.

Reheating Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat one donut at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop – Place on a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I substitute pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use sweet potato puree as a substitute for pumpkin puree if desired.

How do I make these donuts more flavorful?

Adding extra spices like ginger or cloves can enhance flavor. You might also consider adding nuts or chocolate chips.

Are these donuts suitable for kids?

Absolutely! These Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are a fun treat perfect for kids of all ages.

How long do these donuts stay fresh?

These donuts will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but they taste best when eaten within the first couple of days.

Final Thoughts

These Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or changing the spices according to your preference. Try making them this fall season; they are sure to be a hit!